David: The Shepherd Boy

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the Chosen People. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: I regret that I have made soul king. He has turned his back to me. He has pursued his own glory instead of mine. 00:00:14 Speaker 3: Are you so little in your own eyes that you must call from your glory? Was it not enough that the Lord anointed you as king and he set you above all the tribes of Israel? 00:00:28 Speaker 4: You can't see everything. 00:00:31 Speaker 2: You can't see my heart. 00:00:33 Speaker 3: Lord, can you seize your soul? 00:00:37 Speaker 2: For all your strength, height and stature. 00:00:41 Speaker 1: You are a pathetic, weak, small little man. 00:00:47 Speaker 3: Because you have rejected the word of the Lord. He has rejected you as king the Lord. Now as you have torn my robe, so the Lord has torn the king from you. He welcome it to another. 00:01:03 Speaker 1: My Lord has already chosen him. Here's a man who seeks after the heart of God, more the heart of the people. 00:01:17 Speaker 5: The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want Shelloh, my friends, from here in the holy land of Israel, I'm l extein with international Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Today we meet a shepherd from the rolling hills of Bethlehem. At first glance, he's just a boy tending sheep, But when a lion approaches, we learn that he's more than a boy. There's a fierceness to him, a boldness, a stout heart. What does it mean to have a shepherd's heart? And what does it mean when the Bible describes God as a shepherd? Join me now in this story inspired by First Samuel sixteen and the twenty third Psalm. 00:02:04 Speaker 1: The wildflowers had tucked in for the night, their delicate petals curling inward beneath the cool whisper of the evening breeze. Overhead, the stars burned, fierce and bright, scattered like a million watchful eyes across the heavens. Below them, a lone shepherd boy sat among his flock, his fingers dancing over the strings of a weathered lyre. He played a melody known only to him and the Lord. Each note was a prayer woven into the stillness of the night. There was no incense, no altar, no procession or priests, only music, raw and unfiltered, rising up like breath from the boy's soul. Then suddenly, a rustling in the brush broke the tranquil moment. The boy's fingers stilled the night. Once gentle now stood on edge. He set his lyre aside and reached for his staff. He stepped forward cautiously, each footfall light upon the earth. Then he heard it, a low, rumbling growl. The sound crawled through the air like a living thing, deep and terrible. He could feel it reverberate in his chest. The sheep could feel it as well. Each of them stirred and became anxious. The boy did not hesitate. His free hand found the leather strap at his belt, unhooking his sling. His fingers wrapped around a smooth stone, cool as river water. Then an explosion of movement burst from the brush. The lion leaped forth, its massive hind legs propelling it through the air. The boy barely had time to duck as the beast soared over him, crashing into the flock. Panic irrupted. Sheep scattered in all directions, their terrified bleats filling the night, but the boy didn't watch them run. His eyes were locked on to the lion. A lamb was clenched between its powerful jaws, its tiny legs kicking helplessly against the beast's golden fir. The shepherd ran, not away, but toward the predator. 00:04:25 Speaker 4: She's mine. 00:04:27 Speaker 1: His feet pounded against the earth, his lungs burning with the chase. He followed the lion's shadow through the valley, past the rolling hills, and toward the rocky cliffs beyond the city. The lamb's cries guided him, growing fainter as the beast carried its prize toward its den. The sky had begun to lighten by the time the shepherd boy reached the canyon. The world was painted in the soft hues of early dawn, golden light creeping over the horizon, stretching long shadows across the land. The lion had retreated into the mouth of a cave, its low purse echoing off the canyon walls. The boy didn't stop. He scrambled up the rocky slope, using his hands to pull himself higher, his fingers scraping against jagged stone. When he reached the entrance, he peered inside. The lion stood over the lamb, its powerful shoulders rising and falling as it growled low and hungry. The boy took a slow breath. He readied his sling. There was only one shot. If he missed, he was dead. He pivoted his back foot, shifting his weight the sling whirled behind him, the stone cutting through the air with a quiet woosh. Then he let it fly. The stone struck true, slamming into the lion's ribs with a sickening crack. The beast let out a choked roar, its body jerking sideways as pain rippled through its frame. The shepherd seized his moment. He charged forward, leaping onto the beast's back before it could recover, his arms wrapped around its thick neck, his fingers digging into its fur. The lion raged, it twisted, claws slashing wildly. The boy felt a sharp pain rake across his shoulder, warm blood spilling down his back. He was bucked off the lion and tumbled to the ground. The boy retrieved his staff and crouched low, ready for the lion's next advance. Continy. The lion took the bait. It leaped towards the boy, only to be met with a thwack of the shepherd's staff. The lion fell, disoriented with a roar of his own. The boy took a jagged stone through his wait back and slashed the lion's head, then silenced. The little lamb trembled in the corner of the den. The shepherd boy limped forward and picked her up, stroking her wool with his bloody fingers. They exited the den together, shepherd and lamb safe. The sun had fully risen by the time the boy returned to the pasture, the wounded lamb tucked safely in his arms. The wildflowers stretched their petals to the light. The sheep grazed peacefully, unaware of the battle that had been fought for them. The boy limped through the field, his muscles aching, his back throbbing from the lion's claws, but he smiled. He knelt down, setting the lamb beside its mother. His fingers brushed over its soft wool, checking for injuries. It would heal, so would he. A good shepherd always lays his life for the sheep, and young David, son of Jesse, was a good shepherd. The scent of rosemary filled the house, mingling with the rich aroma of stew bubbling over the fire. David stepped inside, closing the door behind him. His tunic was torn, his light hair dusted with dirt, and his face streaked with sweat. He walked past the hearth and reached for the basin splashing water over his face and arms. As he turned to grab a cloth, a voice called out from the shadows. 00:08:44 Speaker 4: You look like dung. 00:08:46 Speaker 1: What trouble did you get yourself into? 00:08:47 Speaker 2: Now? 00:08:48 Speaker 1: David's eldest brother, Eliab, lounged in the corner, tearing off a piece of bread with lazy disinterest. 00:08:58 Speaker 4: You wouldn't believe me if I told you. 00:09:00 Speaker 1: David dabbed at the wound on his shoulder. He winced slightly. Another voice joined in. 00:09:08 Speaker 2: Did the little mouse lose a fight with one of his sheep? 00:09:11 Speaker 1: Again? David turned to see a beana dab ladling stew into a wooden bowl. He snickered at David and gulped a spoonful. He nudged a Liab with his elbow, and the two brothers laughed. 00:09:26 Speaker 2: Do you remember when the little runt was attacked by the crows when he climbed that tree? If he wasn't so small, it would have broken his neck? 00:09:37 Speaker 1: Good thing, he's the size of a squirrel. 00:09:40 Speaker 4: If you must know, it was a lion. I had tried to take one of the lamps. I wrestled it from its jaws. 00:09:49 Speaker 1: His brothers scoffed, shaking their heads. Then heavy footsteps approached from behind. The room fell quiet as Jesse entered. Their father was a tall man, broad and sturdy, his hands rough with years of labor. Though not a man of war, he commanded a presence that made others listen. When he spoke, his gaze settled on the youngest son, his face revealing a certain spite that only David received. What did I tell you about these stories of yours? David? Your lies only make you seem smaller. David stiffened at that. 00:10:31 Speaker 4: I won't have you parading yourself as a hero slays lions when you and I both know you did nothing of the sort. Your mother was the same way, deceptive, making herself out to be more. 00:10:45 Speaker 1: Than she was. The words cut deeper than the lion's claws. David wasn't born like his other brothers. There was a mark on his birth that they rarely mentioned. He was the living and embodied shame of his father. 00:11:02 Speaker 4: I did slay the lion. 00:11:04 Speaker 1: Father. 00:11:06 Speaker 4: Go see the lamp yourself, you'll find the teeth marks. 00:11:11 Speaker 1: Jesse did not respond. He simply turned away. Sitting at the table with a Liab and Abinadab, their conversation moved on. Their words, filled with praise for Eliab's new station among Saul's men. The boy stood for a moment watching them, Then wordlessly, he turned and walked outside. His shoulder ached, but he hardly noticed. He grabbed his staff and made his way back up the hill toward his flock. The sun was high, now, bathing the pasture in light. The boy lifted his face to the sky and closed his eyes. The thought is mus shore. 00:11:57 Speaker 4: I shall not want. 00:11:59 Speaker 1: Me lie down and the green past jersey. He leads me. Besides still waters. He restores my soul. 00:12:11 Speaker 4: He leads me as of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will. 00:12:21 Speaker 1: Fear no evil, for you are with me. 00:12:26 Speaker 4: You rod, your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me, and in the presence of my enemies, you. 00:12:36 Speaker 1: Anoint my head with oil. Cup overflows. 00:12:41 Speaker 4: Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of. 00:12:49 Speaker 1: The Lord forever. The wind stirred, it curled around him, soft and unseen. A smile ghosted across his lips. He opened his eyes, glancing down at his sheep. He knew each one by name, their quirks, their temperaments, Who got along with whom He knew them, just as the Lord knew him. He took up his harp once more, his fingers plucking out a melody. Beneath the blue sky. His voice carried across the valley, a song of love, of longing, of worship. Tears slipped down his face as he felt the safety of God's embrace. The Lord was his shepherd. 00:13:40 Speaker 5: This was a fun story. It was fun to imagine ourselves in a holy land from thousands of years ago as David saved his sheep from the lion. It was interesting to peer into the dynamic he must have had with his father and brothers. We've seen a lot of different family dynamics along the Chosen People, haven't we. But I want to look at what brought us to David in the first place. It began with a command from God. In the closest English translation to the original Hebrew, God tells his prophet Samuel to go to Jesse the Bethlamite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons. The Jewish age has found it interesting that God said I have provided for myself a king. What does that mean? Let me read it to you again. I've provided for myself a king among his sons. God doesn't need a king for himself. God is king of everything. But the sage is explained that the Chosen people must have a king who keeps all of God's commandments, not just a king that will please the people, but a king who will please God. And isn't that what all of us as people of faith want in our leaders. A leader who understands and an order to be truly legitimate, they have to reflect God and his values. And this isn't an easy thing at all, because power wielded by any leader, especially a head of state, can go to their heads. It can make them forget their purpose of reflecting the will of a higher power. And that's what happened to King Saul, and that's why Samuel was commanded to go to Bethlehem to find a king for the Chosen People who would please God as opposed to King Saul. The one that Samuel was looking for at least came from the correct tribe, the tribe of Judah, which God singled out for royal leadership among the Chosen People. But it's David's humble origins that make him such an inspiring leader. While he had many admirable qualities and noble virtues, we'll see David's humility stand out throughout his life, starting with this story of his work hurting sheep. If David knew one thing, it was shepherding sheep. Long before Samuel arrived and anointed him, David spent countless hours in lonely fields, carefully tending his flock. He knew each sheep by name. He knew each sheep's strengths and weaknesses, what frightened them, what made them tick. He gently led the sheep to green pastures and fresh water. David guided the sheep with his rod and comforted them with his staff. He was a good shepherd, not just gentle, but fiercely protective. He fought off predators like lions and bears. David risked his own life to keep his sheep safe. And in David we glimpsed the heart of God himself. So when David wrote Psalm twenty three, the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, he wasn't just writing poetry or even writing worship music. Rather, David was describing his own intimate and first hand understanding of God's love. David knew how shepherds lay their lives down for their sheep. He understood the links that God would go to protect and sustain his people. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. You know David didn't just come up with those words, but he lived them. We're about to learn a lot more from David's life in episodes to come, but here, as a shepherd boy, his story reminds us that God's protection and provision aren't conditional on our surroundings. Even in the bleakest valleys are driest deserts, God is with us. Maybe today you feel like you're walking through your own valley or desert. Worries like financial struggles, family issues, and health problems can leave us feeling isolated, afraid, and exhausted. But remember, David's shepherd is your shepherd too. Just as God walked closely with David, guiding and comforting him through every danger and need, He's walking beside you right now. So rest and care, my friends, knowing that his rod protects and his staff comforts. This week reread Psalm twenty three with fresh eyes. Let these familiar words renew your spirits, strengthen your heart, and reassure your soul. The same shepherd who fought fiercely for David fights fiercely for you. You are not alone. 00:19:00 Speaker 1: You can listen to the Chosen People with Yle Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the prey dot Com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Schllabager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, Edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, Kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dog compraduct auctions on the Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.